BenQ launches new 32-incher with Mini-LED and DisplayPort 2.1

In the midst of a flood of OLED monitors, BenQ is launching a screen with a mini-LED for a change: The Mobiuz EX321UX has a matt 32-inch display in 16:9 format and a UHD resolution (3840 × 2180 pixels). It is aimed at gamers, but should be particularly good for mixed applications.

The LED backlight of the IPS panel is divided into 1152 dimming zones. This should ensure a good black level. The peak brightness is HDR-capable 1000 nits. BenQ specifies the "typical brightness" as 700 nits - this probably refers to the full-screen value for SDR content. 700 nits is a lot; current OLED monitors only achieve around 250 nits full screen.

The frame rate of 144 hertz no longer attracts anyone's attention these days. Especially in combination with an IPS panel, which has a longer pixel response time than OLED. All in all, this means more motion blur. E-sports enthusiasts who play fast-paced shooters will therefore turn away.

For casual gamers, on the other hand, the frame rate is easily sufficient. If high brightness is more important to you than the perfect black level of OLED, the Mobiuz EX321UX is worth a look. Especially if you also want to work on it. BenQ promises a colour space coverage of 99 per cent AdobeRGB and 99 per cent DCI-P3. These are excellent values.

The Mobiuz EX321UX is one of the first monitors to come with DisplayPort 2.1. It is unclear exactly which standard BenQ is using. From UHBR 13.5, 4K with 144 Hertz could be transmitted without compression. There is also a choice of two HDMI 2.1 and one USB-C with 65 watts PowerDelivery. If you use the latter, the screen also serves as a hub for peripherals with three USB-A ports and one USB-C port.

Does it need DisplayPort 2.1?

DisplayPort 2.1 supports higher data rates than version 1.4 - exactly how much depends on the standard: UHBR10 comes to 40 Gbps, UHBR13.5 to 54 Gbps and UHBR20 to 80 Gbps. Current AMD graphics cards support DisplayPort 2.1 with UHBR13.5. The high data rates are not absolutely necessary. This is because the image signal can be reduced in size using Display Stream Compression (DSC) - without any visible loss of quality, according to most experts. With DSC 3.0, the bandwidth of DisplayPort 1.4 is sufficient even for 4K at 240 hertz. Uncompressed, this signal would necessarily require UHBR20.

Like other manufacturers, BenQ also does AI-washing: the main thing is that the product description contains some kind of buzzword relating to artificial intelligence. In the Mobiuz EX321UX, an AI algorithm called "PixelSoul Engine" is supposed to continuously analyse the image and optimise contrast and colours. For example, the shadows in dark scenes are emphasised. The software can be customised to specific preferences using profiles.

According to the manufacturer, the BenQ Mobiuz EX321UX will be available in Germany at the end of July. The recommended retail price is 1199 euros. Availability and price in Switzerland are not yet known. <p